Elizabeth Freeman: Reimagined!

Emma Sunnerberg, Massachusetts College of Art and Design

A Unique Exhibit of Student Works Celebrating the Life, Story, and Legacy of Elizabeth Freeman

The project is supported by

MassArt’s Center for Art and Community Partnerships with interpretive content created in collaboration with scholars from the

Du Bois Freedom Center and UMass Amherst.

July 17 through October 30, 2026

309 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday during our regular Visitor Center Hours, from 11AM to 3PM.

Contact Us to Schedule a Visit Outside of our Visitor Hours or to Arrange for a Private Viewing Program for Your School or Group
Click to Learn More About the Life and Legacy of Elizabeth Freeman and Discover DFC's Full Event Schedule Celebrating Her Story

  • " In painting this, my goal was to create an image that Elizabeth Freeman herself would be proud of, something that could convey deep symbolic meaning for people everywhere. Elizabeth Freeman changed the world, and her story needs to be told."

    ~Emma "Sunny" Sunnerberg, Massachusetts College of Art and Design

  • "My work on The Courtroom illustration began with visiting the Dubois Freedom Center to research Elizabeth Freeman and her history. Inspired by the research I gathered and combined with an artistic perspective, The Courtroom depicts Elizabeth Freeman, accompanied by Brom, as they stand side by side facing the judge and jury at the trial for their freedom. Freeman stands with her head held high in determination while also glancing backwards with slight uncertainty, captured in the moment just before the final decision."

    ~Abigail Glover, Massachusetts College of Art and Design

  • "While working on this project with The Du Bois Freedom Center, I found myself reflecting on the power we have as illustrators. The work we create does exist in isolated bubbles, rather we are given the unique opportunity to visually reframe narratives, and create accessible ways to share these narratives with others. It was an incredible and humbling honor to create artworks for Elizabeth Freeman: Reimagined! , with the ability to use illustration to tell her story with authenticity, respect, and beauty as a reflection of her power."

    ~Natalie Morris, Massachusetts College of Art and Design

  • "I’m greatly appreciative of the chance to contribute to something as meaningful as Elizabeth Freeman: Reimagined! Her legacy serves as a reminder to always hold self respect, resilience, and compassion. Imagery has the ability to shape, reframe, and record history. Working with The Du Bois Freedom Center on this project demonstrates how art can be used to celebrate those whose impact is felt, but not often seen. Our work recognizes Freeman for the powerful and brave figure she was, standing up for herself and others despite endless adversity. "

    ~Emma Levine~Massachusetts College of Art and Design

  • "As an emerging illustrator, it was an incredible learning opportunity to be a part of the Elizabeth Freeman project with the DuBois Center. We learned so much about Elizabeth Freeman from experienced historians that have made it their mission to make her story known. My favorite part of the project was when we had a model pose for us. She educated herself on Elizabeth Freeman’s story beforehand, and played African American spirituals as she posed. It was a very thought provoking modeling session, and through that experience I was able to capture an empowering image of what Elizabeth Freeman might have looked like, since the only known portrait of her did not accurately capture her powerful, composed, and resilient spirit."

    ~Sandy Colameta, Massachusetts College of Art and Design

  • "Working on the Elizabeth Freeman project became a turning point in my artistic journey. Her story made me slow down and really sit with what it means to illustrate someone’s lived experience. I found myself questioning how I show strength, vulnerability, and humanity through my work, and whether I was ready to carry a story with that much weight. There were moments where I doubted myself and worried about getting it right, but those moments pushed me to grow. This project taught me that illustration can be an act of empathy, and it helped me understand the kind of artist I want to become, someone who approaches every narrative with honesty, intention, and care. Looking ahead, I feel hopeful about the work I will create and the stories I will have the chance to honor in the future. "

    ~ Kobe Christie, Massachusetts College of Art and Design